I’ve been Clerk for about 5 months – since the end of May 2025. I’ve worked in state courts for 30 years, first in Michigan, and in Arizona since 2002. I practiced briefly in Michigan, mostly child and adult abuse and neglect cases, guardianships and conservatorships, family law, and mediation. I worked in the Maricopa County Clerk of Superior Court’s office (Phoenix and surrounding areas) for 16 years, ending there as Special Counsel and Public Information Officer.
Since 2018 I’ve worked in the Arizona Supreme Court, first as Communications Director, then as Director over the division that licenses or certifies about a dozen professions regulated by our court (attorneys, document preparers, legal paraprofessionals and others) before finding my way back to a clerk’s office.
The members have been the highlight of the NCACC so far. From my first interaction to today, the members have been exceedingly generous with their knowledge and hospitality. Doug Shima reached out early with a welcome message as president, and Brian Cotta made sure I was comfortable with what to expect at my first conference. Every email, call, and in-person interaction with everyone has been top-rate.
Being part of coordinating judicial operations throughout the pandemic as the branch’s PIO was a rewarding professional achievement. Keeping each other and the public updated with the latest information each day was key to helping connect the statewide judiciary in a way that’s still paying dividends today. It was also fun to coordinate the marriage of 100 couples on our supreme court’s steps as part of celebrating Arizona’s Centennial on February 14, 2012
FUN FACTS ABOUT AARON
- If you could have any superpower at work, what would it be?
Reading minds. I appreciate diplomacy, but sometimes I would like to just know exactly what someone wants or is trying to say so we can get to the business of getting it done. That power would have to be limited to work thoughts, though. There are a lot of things I’d rather not know, you know? - What’s one thing people are often surprised to learn about you?
People often say “You’re nice for an attorney” and I suspect most of NCACC’s members get that one. - What’s your go-to comfort food or coffee order?
Pierogi, and I’m not sure I’ve ever said no to a donut – especially a fritter, cronut, or paczki. - What’s the last show you binge-watched or book you couldn’t put down?
We’re binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine now. I stay as close to comedy and action/adventure as I can. There’s more than enough drama in real life. - If you could travel anywhere tomorrow, where would you go and why?
Greece, because my wife has always wanted to go, and we haven’t made it yet. - Who’s someone that has inspired you (personally or professionally)?
My first professional job supervisor, Tom Whitesell. He faced personal challenges and business pressures and still managed us and our work with grace, somehow always being kind and patient, while making sure our work got done. It’s a balance very few people can do consistently over time. - What’s a small thing that always makes your day better?
Petting a nice cat or dog. It’s always good to spend time with a chill pet.